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Vortex Impact 25-75x70 vs Konuspot-80 20-60x80 (1 Viewer)

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b00gym4n

Member
I'm in the market for a target range spotting scope 100 yards +. Looking for clarity and all the good stuff you look for in a spotting scope. This is my first time ever purchasing one and do not plan on buying another one. I would like to spend under $200 for a good all around scope. Birdwatching, Security, Target Shooting, Astrology and etc. (mainly for target shooting)

If you could recommend me a scope or help me choose between these two it would be much appreciated. I've been reading mixed reviews on these two.

http://www.vortexoptics.com/category/spotting_scopes (Vortex Impact)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=konuspot+80&N=0&InitialSearch=yes

OR Redfield Rampage?

http://www.opticsplanet.net/redfield-rampage-20-60x60mm-spotting-scope-kit.html
 
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b00gym4n said:
I'm in the market for a target range scope 100 yards +. Looking for clarity and all the good stuff you look for in a spotting scope. This is my first time ever purchasing one and do not plan on buying another one. I would like to spend under $200 for a good all around scope. Birdwatching, Security, Target Shooting, Astrology and etc. (mainly for target shooting)

If you could recommend me a scope or help me choose between these two it would be much appreciated. I've been reading mixed reviews on these two.

http://www.vortexoptics.com/category/spotting_scopes (Vortex Impact)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc....html#features
Click to expand...

Your B&H photo link just directs you to their website, going from your budget I assume the scope you were looking at is this one.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...81700_Discoverer_2_4_60mm_Spotting_Scope.html

I have used Bushnell equipment before, mainly rifle scopes for target shooting and found them to be very good. I have never used Vortex so cannot comment on the clarity/quality of the product. If you are using it for target aquisition and viewing your score card/target then get a straight eyepiece. Neil.
 
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Boogy, The Vortex Impact is a CAT scope. The feedback on the Konuspot-80 is very good. I would buy the Konuspot 80 if it was me. Angled scope would be better for Astronomy, I assume that is what you meant. Rotating tripod collar is a plus. Welcome to BirdForum.
Regards,Steve
 
b00gym4n said:
I would like to spend under $200 for a good all around scope. Birdwatching, Security, Target Shooting, Astrology and etc. (mainly for target shooting)
Click to expand...

Astrology? Scopes will let you see the past (the way the distant universe looked millions of years ago), but not the future (unless there's some model I'm not familiar with).

Best,
Jim
 
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Lol. Correction: Astronomy.

What does the term CAT and ED mean?

I'm really leaning toward the Vortex or Redfield rampage.

I read mixed reviews on the konus, but with your recommendations I will purchase any of them.
 
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CAT refers to a larger term. I won't attempt spell it... ;) but basically refers to the specific mirror design utilized in the scope. ED is one of several terms that refers to extra low dispersion glass. ED glass reduces blurred color on high contrast objects so they appear sharper and occasionally brighter depending on the design. Was ED used in the description of either scope? I would be surprised as the lowest priced ED scopes I was aware of are the Celestron Ultima 65 ED and the Bushnell Legend Ultra.

As for the scopes, I think SteveC posted a review of the Vortex Impact. A quick search of the forum should reveal it. It was very favorable overall IIRC. I am not familiar with the Konus.

I might also suggest you take a look at the non-ED Celestron Ultima 65 and 80 as well. I was impressed by the optical performance of these non-ED scopes. They would certainly be my first choice if I was looking for an inexpensive spotter in your price range.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/320301-REG/Celestron_52250_Ultima_80_3_1_80mm_Spotting.html
 
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No they were not described. I just read it in a post somewhere so I figured it was something good. Is CAT a bad thing? Thanks frank. I'll check out those models.
 
No CAT is not a bad thing. They have some inherent advantages but some disadvantages too. The Vortex Impact is a good choice but I would probably still opt for the Celestron. The Ultima 80 sells for around $135 and you should spend another $60 or $70 for an acceptable full-sized tripod. That would put you right at $200.

FWIW, I checked the reviews a B and H for both the Ultima 65 and Ultima 80. All the reviews were very favorable except for someone trying to digiscope with the 65 mm model. Understandable considering the specs and price range. Still, most of the folks that posted the reviews were using the scope for target range viewing and occasionally wildlife.
 
FrankD said:
No CAT is not a bad thing. They have some inherent advantages but some disadvantages too. The Vortex Impact is a good choice but I would probably still opt for the Celestron. The Ultima 80 sells for around $135 and you should spend another $60 or $70 for an acceptable full-sized tripod. That would put you right at $200.

FWIW, I checked the reviews a B and H for both the Ultima 65 and Ultima 80. All the reviews were very favorable except for someone trying to digiscope with the 65 mm model. Understandable considering the specs and price range. Still, most of the folks that posted the reviews were using the scope for target range viewing and occasionally wildlife.
Click to expand...

Are you recommending the Ultima 80 over the Vortex Impact & Konus-80? If so I will purchase one now.
 
I do not really have experience with either of those two models. I would certainly put the Celestron Ultima 80 ahead of any other scope I have tried within your $200 spending limit.

Also, as I mentioned previously you also have to consider a tripod. Don't skimp on that even for target shooting. The minimum you will pay for a half decent one is $70 to $80 from my experience.
 
Cat == Catadioptric (i.e. using both mirrors and lenses).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catadioptric_system

The main thing to consider with cat lenses or scopes is there is a central obstruction (a small mirror) on the first lens (or corrector plate depending on design).

That knocks a hole in the exit pupil so the exit pupil is doughnut shaped and causes problems at lower magnifications (where you can actually see the hole).

It changes the shape of the bokeh too. That's more of an issue for camera lenses but some people find the effect in spotters annoying.

And it reduces the contrast too.

It also lets less light in so when comparing sizes to a "normal" scope you should subtract the diameter of the obstruction from the diameter of the objective. This is a bigger effect for smaller objectives than big objectives.

And even more hand waving argument is the cat is really "one size" smaller: i.e. a 65mm cat competes with a 50mm refractor, a 80mm cat competes with a 65mm refractor.
 
Hi Boogy, Make sure you buy the Celestron from an Authorized dealer and please keep the original receipt for warranty. Good luck with all this.:)
Regards, Steve
 
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